To have the management of the mind is a great art, and it may be attained in a considerable degree by experience and habitual exercise... Let him take a course of chemistry, or a course of rope-dance, or a course of any thing to which he is inclined at the time. Let him contrive to have as many retreats for his mind as he can, as many things to which it can fly from itself.

Nothing concentrates one's mind so much as the realization that one is going to be hanged in the morning!

A man seldom thinks with more earnestness of anything than he does of his dinner.

Labor, if it were not necessary for existence, would be indispensable for the happiness of man.

The natural progress of the works of men is from rudeness to convenience, from convenience to elegance, and from elegance to nicety.

He that applauds him who does not deserve praise, is endeavoring to deceive the public; he that hisses in malice or sport, is an oppressor and a robber.

I am always sorry when any language is lost, because languages are the pedigrees of nations.